Gated Globalisation

Context: Amid changing post-pandemic realities, India needs to be swift in identifying partners whom it can trust and who will help further its interests.

Post pandemic realities in International relations

• Trust plays a major role: due to rising scepticism over the vaccines from China and Russia.
  • With the advent of 5G technology, this split will get deeper and wider over issues of trust and integrity.
• Multipolar world: United States (US) and China have to contend with traditional and rising powers like the United Kingdom (UK), France, India and Brazil.
• Rise of a New World Order: driven by national interest, reliability of partners and economic factors.
• Security landscape will continue to drive partnerships: There will be a lack of omnibus alliances.

Way forward for India:  A Gated Globalisation Framework 

• Protect own interest while building new partnerships: based on trust and common interests.
• Ensure “strategic autonomy” through alliances: Rather than opting for parlour games like “non-alignment”; Need for a new coalition was felt after Doklam and has become a necessity post-Ladakh.
• Create partnerships beyond security: based on trade, capital flows and the movement of labour. Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) was an opportunity for such a partnership.
• Control the financial relationships: Enable tighter financial relationships within the gated communities and shut those inimical to our interests. (E.g. imposing restrictions on trade with China)
• Choose partners based on trust and Integrity: Technology flows and standards will help choose the partners to be included in the gated communities.
• E.g. European Union’s General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) keep out those who do not comply with their terms of engagement, The Indian law on data protection that is currently being discussed follows a similar sovereign route. 

Conclusion: Instead of ambiguity, lethargy and posturing, India has to be swift in identifying partners whom it can trust and who will help protect and further its national interests.